Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen confirmed Wednesday that veteran forward Alex Tuch will likely hit unrestricted free agency next week. Despite negotiations beginning last summer, the two sides remain far apart on contract terms, with salary cap constraints limiting Buffalo's flexibility for a long-term deal with the 30-year-old winger.

Tuch emerged as one of Buffalo's top forwards since arriving in the 2021 Jack Eichel trade, posting 139 goals and 309 points in 360 games. He reached the 30-goal mark in each of the past two seasons, including a career-high 33 goals in 2023-24. His playoff performance was mixed, contributing seven points in the first-round victory over Boston before being held off the scoresheet in the second-round loss to Montreal.

The Sabres also moved defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway to Chicago on Tuesday, acquiring the No. 4 overall pick and promising defenseman Louis Crevier. Kekalainen noted Byram expressed no desire to re-sign beyond his current contract. With young forwards Noah Ostlund, Konsta Helenius, and Jiri Kulich ready to step into larger roles, Buffalo is pivoting toward a rebuild centered around their draft assets.

Kekalainen said the team will evaluate whether to use the fourth selection or trade it for immediate help. The Sabres are positioned to land a top defenseman prospect in what's considered a deep draft class at that position. Buffalo finished third in the Atlantic Division and won their first playoff series since 2007.